Buying a projector - what should I pay attention to?
You can also buy a projector for PC presentations or your own home cinema at a reasonable price. We show you what you should pay attention to.
Buy used projector for PC or home theater
Many projectors are still very expensive. You often get a used device much cheaper:
- The most important question is: Where can you get a used projector at all? Electronics stores often advertise their demonstration devices at a very reasonable price. Even in companies, projectors are written off and sold after a certain period of use, you can inquire directly there. Some devices also come in so-called refurbish devices (returns) with a significantly reduced price in online shops.
- How safe is it to buy a used projector? With large electronics stores or refurbish devices, you often get a dealer warranty of 6 months. If the price is right, a purchase is definitely worthwhile. Plus point: Included is the original box for safe transport and all accessories.
- There is no guarantee for stocks from companies, but the projectors are usually treated very carefully and are therefore in very good condition. Minus point: The original box is usually no longer available, but accessories such as cables and remote control do.
- One or two bargains can be found on online platforms: But be careful! With no right of return or buyer protection, you act at your own risk. Also pay attention to the information on the accessories.
Use of the projector and follow-up costs
Before you buy, consider what you need the projector for (e.g. home cinema) and what follow-up costs you may face.
- How many hours has the projector lamp been under your belt? Was the projector a demonstration model in an electrical store or does it come from company stocks? Be sure to ask about the running time of the projector lamp. The lamps often only have a lifespan of around 2, 000 to 4, 000 hours. If the lamp has been on for many hours, you better leave it alone. A new one is often due, which can be quite expensive.
- How much does a replacement lamp cost for the projector? You can find out in the Internet in shops for projector accessories or in your local electronics store or ask how much a new lamp costs for a certain device. Some replacement lamps cost 100, 200 or more euros. Here you should consider a new device.
Technical data when buying a used projector
In addition, there are other technical data that you can easily check and that will help you decide on a used projector. If you want to connect the projector to your DVD or Blu-Ray multimedia system, the devices must fit together. In order to receive normal television, you also need a TV receiver.
- What resolution does the used projector have? If you only want to connect the projector to the PC, a resolution of 1024 x 768 pixels is sufficient. This resolution is also sufficient for television programs or DVDs. For Blu-Ray films, the projector should be equipped with at least HD Ready or even Full HD resolution. These are resolutions from 1280 x 720 up to 1920 x 1080 pixels.
- What connections does the used projector have? In order for the projector to be able to process video signals, it needs different connections (see picture). The VGA connection is mostly used for presentations using a PC. The video coaxial connector can be connected to a DVD player or a satellite receiver. Some projectors have a built-in loudspeaker, but this cannot be compared to a stereo system. Therefore, you can usually ignore the audio connections.
- You can find even more detailed tips for buying a projector in another practical tip.
